Norways Defence

Security Policy Objectives

There is a broad consensus about the fundamental objectives of Norwegian security policy. These objectives are listed in the White Paper to Parliament (St.meld. no. 16 for 1992-93), "Main Guidelines for the Activities and Developments of Norways Defence for the Period 1994-1998 (the Long-Term Report), and the Budget Proposal for 1998.

The objectives are:

• to prevent war and contribute to stability and a peaceful development;
• to protect Norways freedom of action against political and military pressure, and to safeguard Norwegian rights and interests by ensuring Norwegian contributory influence in international cooperation processes;
• to defend Norwegian territory on land, at sea, and in the air against intrusion and attack.

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Main Tasks of the Military Defence

• to contribute to dialogue, cooperation and the ability for a collective defence in order to link Norway's security interests to those of other countries;
• to maintain the capability to exercise and defend Norway's sovereignty and rights with military means;
• to pursue and fulfil militarily the international security and defence obligations Norway has committed herself to;
• to support tasks that are given priority by the civilian society.

• Anti-invasion defence;
• Military intelligence, monitoring, early warning and security service;
• Military presence and exercise of sovereignty;
• Crisis management and rejection of intrusions;
• Military readiness and national reinforcements;
• Cooperation with allied reinforcements;
• Support other governmental authorities in areas which are subject to Norwegian jurisdiction;
• Professional military advice in the shaping of Norways security and defence policies;
• Participation in NATOs reaction forces
• Support to UN, NATO, or possibly WEU or OSCE peace operations;
• Protection of the environment and military and civilian defence assistance in disaster relief;
• Implementation and control of compliance with disarmament and verification treaties or other arrangements;
• Participation in international military cooperation;
• Territorial defence;
• Cooperation with the civilian society.

These functions provide guidelines for the development of Norways Armed Forces.

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The Total Defence Concept

A number of tasks which in other countries are the responsibility of the armed forces are in Norway handled by civilian institutions. This applies especially to logistics support and transport. In the event of war the Armed Forces can requisition civilian aircraft, ships, motor vehicles etc.

Mobilization of the Norwegian general public is of major importance to the total defence of the nation. To obtain a complete picture of Norways defence capability, the Armed Forces and the Civil Emergency Planning System must therefore be seen as integrated parts. The Government has presented the objectives for the future civilian readiness in a separate White Paper to Parliament, St.meld.nr. 24 (1992-93).

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Authority in Peacetime and during War

Under the Norwegian Constitution, the highest executive power is vested in the Majesty the King. Also according to the Constitution, the King is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This authority is exercised in the Council of State, i.e. by the Government. The Government makes decisions in special Government Conferences not attended by the King. Decisions on important matters are afterwards formally adopted by the King in Council. Matters concerning mobilization and defence plans, are decided outside the Council. The Minister of Defence presents such matters to the King in the presence of only the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Government is the highest executive authority responsible for military and civilian preparations in peacetime and for the command of the total defence in time of war. The military command authority is delegated to military commanders.

The Minister of Defence heads the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence. He carries the constitutional and political responsibility for the activities of the Armed Forces. All matters not decided in Council are decided by him or on his behalf by the Ministry of Defence.

The responsibility for civil emergency planning lies with the Directorate of Civil Defence and Emergency Planning, which falls under the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice. All other ministries are responsible for emergency planningin their own sectors.

The Chief of Defence is the countrys highest ranking military official, and is principal military adviser to the Government and the Minister of Defence on military matters. He has general command of Norwegian Defence in peacetime, with the exception of certain administrative limitations.

In time of war, the Chief of Defence continues to be the Governments closest adviser, while the command authority is transferred to the Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces Northwest Europe (CINCNORTHWEST).

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Military Defence

Peacetime Force:

Approx. 35 000, including approx. 11 800 officers, and about 22 700 conscripts. In addition approx. 9 000 civilian personnel.

Force after mobilization:

Approx. 234 000.

Restructuring the Norwegian Defence

  The new White Paper will update the political basis for the use of the resources and forces of the Defence Establishment. The charges in security policy, the development of operational concepts, new technology and the increased importance of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation and participation in international peace operations in recent years will have to lead to a continued restructuring also of Norwegian Defence.

Organization of the Armed Forces Political and Military Leadership:

The role of the Ministry of Defence is based on the tasks of the Minister of Defence in the Norwegian political and administrative system. These tasks can be grouped as:

• constitutional
• management
• political
• administrative.

  The Minister of Defence is constitutionally and politically responsible for all activity carried out by subordinate departments. This means that the Ministry, as part of the Executive Authority, must supervise the activities of the departments, inter alia, by exercising a superior control function.

  The Chief of Defence, with Headquarters Defence Command as his staff, prioritizes and balances the total resources to be assigned to operative activities, the production of forces and the production of support.

  The Chief of Defence is responsible for military long-term planning and drafts budget proposals within his area of responsibility. His responsibility within the planning process includes proposing cost-effective and result-oriented solutions based on aims, prescribed financial frameworks, and political guidelines formed by the Ministry.

  The Chief of Defence is also responsible for the operative/executive management and ensures accomplishment of current activities. He shall in addition exercise control of the effective utilization of granted appropriations. The Chief of Defence provides annual accounts and a summary assessment of defence activity and development of combat capability in relation to the current defence concept and adopted strategies.

  Under the Chief of Defence the Armed Forces have two chains of commands; Defence Command South Norway and Defence Command North Norway. Each of these commands has commanders for land, sea and air forces and is headed by a commander; Commander Armed Forces North Norway (COMNON) and Commander Armed Forces South Norway (COMSONOR). The two separate commands are vested with the responsibility for military defence in their own district within the scope of directives and tasks assigned by the Chief of Defence, and the Allied Commander.